The Detroit Lions shipped off two third-rounders for Isaac TeSlaa during the 2025 NFL draft, and the choice was confusing at that time. With the details of the trade now finalized, the choice is even more of a head-scratcher.
TeSlaa, who will probably see a larger role within Detroit's offense as a WR3, didn't get much burn in his rookie season despite such a move up the board. And, with how steep the talent drop-off was in this year's draft between the 3rd round and 4th round, the lack of picks for the Lions in that sweet spot was pretty stark.
Still, the Lions drafted well overall. But, the pick they got in exchange for moving up in 2025, the 205th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, was just used in the most bland way possible: taking an undersized defensive tackle who is about to have a difficult time even making the roster, let alone making an impact on the field if he does make the team.
Skylar Gill-Howard landed with the Lions with this pick in the 6th round, which officially closes the loop on the TeSlaa trade in a pretty lackluster way.
Full Isaac TeSlaa trade details finalized following Gill-Howard pick
The full details:
Lions receive:
WR Isaac TeSlaa (Pick no. 70)
EDGE Ahmed Hassanein
DT Skylar Gill-Howard
Jaguars receive:
2025 3rd round pick
Two 2026 3rd round picks
READ MORE: Lions officially land Kalif Raymond replacement with Kendrick Law pick
This haul for the Jaguars got them Wyatt Milum, Albert Regis, and Jalen Huskey. The Lions are still waiting to see what kind of impact Hassanein can have on the squad, especially after he looked decent in preseason in 2025 before injuring his pectoral muscle and missing the entire season.
But, the Lions' willingness to bring him back onto the practice squad following his recovery goes to show their faith in him.
Three third-rounders for TeSlaa seemed like a lot when it happened, and it still feels like a lot now. Although, if you're invested in the potential of the athletic wide receiver, then perhaps that trade doesn't feel too wild. He's an obvious deep-ball threat thanks to his reliable hands, and his highlight-reel of touchdown catches and attempts remain a highlight from the 2025 season.
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